CN25 Participants Speak the Same Language of Interoperability

Photo By 2nd Lt. Codi Clemmons | U.S. Air Force Capt. Brian Reed, 374th Operations Group deputy chief of group standardization and evaluation, speaks with Japan Air Self-Defense Force members in Japanese during exercise Cope North 25 on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Feb. 19, 2025. The USAF provided two translators for CN25 who speak fluent Japanese. They are directly embedded with JASDF members throughout the entirety of the exercise to provide accurate, real-time language translation and interpreting when required. ( U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt Codi Clemmons)  

GUAM

02.20.2025

Story by 2nd Lt. Codi Clemmons 

354th Fighter Wing

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam – Every year, three nations gather for exercise Cope North as trilateral allies, sharpening their warrior ethos, developing their interoperable warfighting capabilities, and strengthening their longstanding partnership.

This year, U.S. Air Forces, the Royal Australian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force came together with a laser focus on fifth generation fighter integration. However, the teams faced one barrier before they could take to the skies- language.

The USAF provided two translators for CN25 who speak fluent Japanese. They are directly embedded with JASDF members throughout the entirety of the exercise to provide accurate, real-time language translation and interpreting when required.

“As linguists our job is to provide Japanese interpretation across all facets of the exercise, including combat air forces, mobility air forces, logistics, security forces, office of special investigation, and distinguished visitor engagements among others,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Brian Reed, 374th Operations Group deputy chief of group standardization and evaluation.

Reed explained that the English used at CN25 can be extremely difficult to non-native speakers. This is due to numerous accents, the challenge of idiomatic language, the speed of the language, and the amount of industry-specific vocabulary that creates a language barrier that needs to be bridged.

“We take pride in being that language and culture "bridge" to facilitate U.S to Japan interoperability and ultimately further what is one of the world's most important and enduring alliances and bedrock for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Reed said.

Ms. Koganei Yoriko is the JASDF translator at CN25 that works closely with USAF and RAAF to get the mission complete. She has provided support during CN25 by coordinating office calls, and translating at banks, communication companies and auto agencies. Her work at CN25 can be seen across many different levels of the exercise with allies and partners working together.

“By listening to stories of each commander at office calls, I was able to know their sincere attitude towards duties. Also, through working with partners and allies, I realized the importance of communication,” Yoriko said.

Yoriko taught herself English and plans to continue her studies to improve her skills for future exercises such as CN25.

“I would like to study English even further in order to improve my skills,” Yoriko said. “It was great to join this trilateral exercise as one of the JASDF team. I would like to thank you all for this opportunity.”

While one participant in CN25 might speak Japanese and another English, all participants speak the same language of interoperability.

“One of the primary objectives for CN25 is to enable and develop trilateral fifth generation fighter interoperability,” said Reed. “The key here is "interoperability," in order to seamlessly work and operate with our JASDF counterparts, we have to ensure that there are no language gaps or misunderstandings derived from members not communicating in their native language.”

CN25 demonstrated the trilateral partnership’s commitment to a continuous pursuit of excellence. With the support of translators working tirelessly to remove language barriers, Cope North partners continue to enhance interoperability and their lethal edge.

Updated Feb. 22, 2025

• Date Taken: 02.20.2025
• Date Posted: 02.20.2025 20:21
• Story ID: 491094
• Location: GU